Port Authority Plans Series of Bus Rapid Transit Outreach Events

Pittsburgh’s Department of City Planning painted a temporary mock-up of the Bus Rapid Transit vision on Forbes Ave in Uptown, during May’s Open Streets Event

BRT is on the move! Learn more about the proposed project and provide input

The City of Pittsburgh, Port Authority, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Allegheny County are looking to dramatically change the transportation system between the East End and Downtown. There is a proposal on the table to turn many of the existing bus lines that currently go through Oakland and Uptown into Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). In short, BRT is an enhanced bus line often including such amenities as dedicated bus lanes (getting the buses out of traffic), signal prioritization, raised platforms for easier boarding, and a branded look and feel. BRT aims to mimic the subway experience as much as possible, while keeping it on a paved street, within the street grid.

After initial outreach, the team settled on what they are calling the “Locally Preferred Alternative – Core+2,” which aligns with BikePGH’s position on the project. This option “connects Downtown Pittsburgh with Uptown, Oakland, and Wilkinsburg via the East Busway, and includes branches to Squirrel Hill and Highland Park,” according to the Port Authority. They will now be able to seek funding for the project that they claim “will link more than 30,000 people across 24 neighborhoods via rapid, frequent, and more reliable service that’s as fast and comfortable as light rail, but could be built much sooner and at a fraction of the cost.”

Map of the proposed Core+2 Route

Upcoming meetings

There will be a series of public meetings in and around the affected neighborhoods. At the meetings, you can expect an update on the status of BRT, ask questions about the planning process, and collect inut on station placement and street design.

Oakland – June 19 at 6:30pm-8:00pm, Oakland Career Center, 294 Semple St, Pittsburgh, PA, United States